SHARES
Do you know that the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of our back teeth are four times more likely to become decayed than other smooth surfaces of our teeth? This is because there are pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – mainly the molars and premolars.
These pits and fissures can trap food particles and promote the growth of bacterial biofilm. Hence, this can increase the risk of causing tooth decay.
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What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made from a type of plastic material. They are used to seal off the pits and fissures on the biting surfaces of our back teeth. They form a protective layer that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the deep fissures in the teeth. Besides being a primary prevention for dental caries, studies have also shown that dental sealants may halt the progression of existing non-cavitated tooth decay.
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Which teeth should be sealed?
Dentists place fissure sealants on patients they see whom are deemed suitable and of high risk at developing dental caries. It is recommended to apply dental sealants on teeth when the first molars come through. These teeth usually erupt between 6 to 7 years of age. They are only applied to the back teeth which are the molars and premolars.
Some teeth naturally have deeper grooves which need to be sealed as they trap food easily and are harder to brush. On the other hand, teeth with shallow and cleansable surfaces will not need sealing.
Fissures on a molar tooth. Image source
In addition to that, some other requirement criteria for dental sealants include:
- Children who have had decay on one or more of their permanent molars
- Children with special needs such as handicapped, medically compromised and socially disadvantaged
What is the procedure?
Dental sealants are a safe and painless way of preventing tooth decay. It is a straightforward and quick procedure, taking only a few minutes for each tooth.
First, the dentist will thoroughly prepare and clean the tooth with a special solution. The dental sealant is then applied on the occlusal surface and allowed to set hard by shining a bright light onto it. There is no cutting involved throughout the procedure.
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How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last for many years, but they do wear off over time. Thus, regular check up is important to make sure the seal is still intact and there is no decay underneath the sealant.
With dental sealants, teeth surfaces become much easier to clean during toothbrushing. Proper oral hygiene is still mandatory as dental sealants are just extra protection to tooth decay and thus reducing the number of fillings you might need. Do visit the dentist if you would like to know more about the treatment and check if dental sealants will help your teeth.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
